Courts / Dublin / Report

"Jekyll and Hyde character" attacked garda after developing rapport

Date
2019-07-26
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Swords
County
Dublin

Summary

Joseph Hussey, 41, pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Gemma Twohig on 13 October 2018 and threatening to kill a woman in his home on 19 January 2019. He has three prior convictions. The court described him as a "Jekyll and Hyde character" who is calm when sober but violent when drunk. Judge Martin Nolan remanded him overnight and later sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment, fully suspended on the condition of good behaviour for 18 months. The judge noted the abuse of Gardaí friendships and the animal cruelty offence. Hussey had previously threatened Gardaí, feigned unconsciousness, and was handcuffed after becoming abusive to ambulance and medical staff. The victim impact report detailed Garda Twohig's injuries and emotional distress. No further legal outcomes were mentioned.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Jekyll and Hyde character" attacked garda after developing rapport. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Garda Gemma Twohig on October 13, 2018 and a threat to kill or cause serious harm to a woman renting a room in his home on January 19, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: Oisin Clarke BL, defending, described his client as a Jekyll and Hyde character who became an extreme nuisance to the emergency services, "calling them willy-nilly because he wanted attention". Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Joseph Hussey

Defendant

Charges: assault causing harm to Garda Gemma Twohig on October 13, 2018 and a threat to kill or cause serious harm to a woman renting a room in his home on January 19, 2019 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He sentenced Hussey to 18 months imprisonment, but suspended the entirety of the sentence provided he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a period of 18 months.; Judge Martin Nolan had remanded Hussey in prison overnight having heard the evidence earlier in the week.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Facility
  • Pieta House

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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